Many Americans who are highly religious and identify with certain Christian traditions express discomfort with human enhancement.

Americans regard advances in artificial intelligence and human enhancement technologies with a degree of caution and uncertainty.

Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.

Majorities say scientific research on gene editing is a misuse – rather than an appropriate use – of technology. But public acceptance of gene editing for babies depends on how it will be used, and views often differ by age and religion.

Almost six-in-ten Americans consider it an appropriate use of technology to genetically engineer animals to grow organs or tissues that could be used for humans needing a transplant, while 41% say this would be going too far.

There is a gender gap in views of the use of animals in scientific research. Those with a high level of science knowledge are more inclined to approve of such research.

About half of Americans believe that within the next 50 years science will find a way to eliminate virtually all birth defects through gene editing. Yet majorities of Americans harbor at least some reservations about the impact on society of more widespread use of gene editing.

The U.S. public has mixed views on using gene editing to reduce babies' risk of serious diseases, with parents of children younger than 18 especially wary.